Judge: No public trial for Sheen over 'Men' firing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge says Charlie Sheen's $100 million lawsuit over his firing from "Two and a Half Men" should be handled through private arbitration rather than in a public courtroom.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Allan Goodman ruled Wednesday that Sheen's contract with Warner Bros. Television has a valid arbitration clause. The ruling will dampen publicity about the case, which Sheen filed on March 10 — days after he was fired from his starring role on television's top-rated comedy.

The ruling applies to Sheen's allegations against "Men" executive producer Chuck Lorre, who also has an arbitration clause with Warner Bros.

The studio cited Sheen's bizarre behavior in interviews and his criticism of Lorre as reasons for the actor's firing.

Sheen's role has been eliminated and Ashton Kutcher will appear next season.